2023-06-26-minutes-public-works-study-session

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Snoqualmie Valley/Northeast King County Subarea Plan Public Review Draft — Reader's Guide Chapter 4: Land use This chapter explains how the subarea plan is related to the King County Comprehensive Plan. describes how the Comprehensive Plan land use designations indicate the planned long-term use of an area. Zoning classifications regulate how a particular property can be used as well as the development regulations that apply to the property. More than half (57%) of the land in the subarea is designated Forestry; 28% is Other Parks/Wilderness, and just over 9% is Rural Area. Open Space and Agricultural land make up 2%, and Rural Towns, Rural Neighborhood Commercial Centers, and unincorporated lands designated as Rural Area that lie within a city's urban growth area make up less than 1% each. Land use priorities we heard about from community members • Preserve the rural character of the area by maintaining views, supporting agriculture in the Snoqualmie Valley, and curbing suburban sprawl. • Some community members told us they support affordable housing for workers and younger people in the subarea. • In Snoqualmie Pass specifically, create more accommodations for the local workforce through zoning allowances and limit zoning to address concerns about both the environment and natural hazards, such as critical areas and avalanche zones. • In Fall City specifically, preserve neighborhood aesthetics and update the commercial area special district overlay. The chapter finishes with six policies designed to protect rural character and scenic views. Chapter 5: Housing and human services The housing and human services chapter describes the profound effect that planning decisions have on the strength of residential neighborhoods and their ability to support connected, intergenerational, and diverse communities. Home values across the subarea are increasing substantially, and there is unprecedented demand for affordable housing. There are significant racial and ethnic disparities between owner and renter households in this subarea, with people who identify as "some other race" and Black being least likely to own their own homes. More than a third of renters in the subarea spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Housing priorities that community members shared Maintain the area's rural character by limiting the intensity and density of housing allowed in most parts of the subarea. Questions? AskLocalServices@kinecounty.gov 1 206-477-3800